Rieth Recital Series: Norell Piano Duo – André Watts Tribute

The Norell Piano Duo began performing together in 2009 at LCC International University in Klaipeda, Lithuania, and has continued to present repertoire for one and two pianos across North America. This winter they performed Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite for two pianos on the Ruthmere Two-Piano Concert Series, and they look forward to sharing a concert of American and patriotic music for one and two pianos at Ruthmere in July 2026 in honor of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. Other recent engagements have included performing Poulenc’s Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra with the Maple City Community Orchestra, and duo performances at the University of Indianapolis, the University of Wisconsin, Ohio University, the Roti Roti Art Center of Buchanan (MI), and the Music Archive of Sarasota (FL). Luke and Mary Rose have been featured on the “Music for Food” series at Saint Mary’s College (IN), as Guest Artists for Ravinia’s outreach program “Reach*Teach*Play”, and the American Liszt Society. The Norells performed at Edvard Grieg’s home Troldhaugen in Bergen, Norway, and are founding board members of the Edvard Grieg Society of the Great Lakes, which is holding its third conference and competition at Goshen College in May 2026.

Their collaboration together as teachers and adjudicators has included engagements with the Ohio Music Teachers Association in Summit County, the Kelowna Kiwanis Music Festival in British Columbia, and the Beardsley Prize at Ruthmere. They both teach on the faculty of the Goshen College Community School of the Arts, where Luke serves as Lead Piano Instructor and Mary Rose directs the Private Lesson program, and co-direct the Goshen College Piano Camp, which is going into its fifth year. Luke also serves as collaborative pianist for the Goshen College Music Department.

Luke received his B.M. degree from the University of Northwestern (St. Paul) where he was recently honored with the 2024 “Music & Theatre Hall of Recognition” award, one of the school’s top alumni honors. He completed his M.M. and D.M. degrees in piano performance at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music with André Watts. Mary Rose began her studies with Marvin Blickenstaff, continued at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music with Emile Naoumoff, and earned her doctorate in Piano Performance with James Giles at the Northwestern University Bienen School of Music. At home, the Norells enjoy sharing music with their three children, Lawrence, Nicholas, and Roselena.

The January 16 program is dedicated to the legendary American pianist André Watts, with whom Luke studied for 4 years at Indiana University. During that time, André coached Luke and Mary Rose in their first duo collaborations as a married couple. The repertoire for the concert includes works that are connected to their work and friendship with André and his wife, Joan Brand: the Bach chorale “Sheep may safely graze”, Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1, and Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances. André and Joan “adopted” his students, including spouses and significant others; they generously gave–and still give!–their love and time to the musicians in their care. Luke and Mary Rose are so thankful for André’s mentorship and love, and dedicate the January 16 performance to him, as well as to his dear wife and steadfast companion, Joan.